Why I Recommend This Sony Speaker Over Competing Models - Especially If You're Clumsy

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• The Sony ULT Field is disposable for $330 successful Off White and Black.
• It offers a lively bass consequence and an enjoyable wide sound.
• However, its exaggerated bass and constricted EQ settings successful immoderate sound modes could make it unsuitable for some.

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The Sony ULT Field 5 was launched successful April alongside nan ULT Field 3 and ULT Tower speakers. It joins nan ULT Field 1 and ULT Field 7 successful nan increasing ULT lineup of Sony's bass-focused audio products. I didn't for illustration nan ULT Wear headphones because nan bass consequence sounded overly exaggerated. But aft utilizing nan Sony ULT Field 5 connected and disconnected for nan past fewer weeks, I deliberation I tin springiness nan ULT scope different chance.

Also: Sony's astir portable speaker yet besides fills up nan room pinch powerful sound

The Sony ULT Field 5 offers a rugged build, other bass, and improved wide audio clarity. I didn't expect to bask carrying astir a 3.3kg (7.2 lb) device, but this Sony speaker has grown connected me. It is built for those who want much powerfulness than a emblematic portable speaker but don't want to spell for a large full-size statement speaker. But location are a fewer things you should support successful mind earlier purchasing this product. 

The ULT Field 5 is rugged and functional -- yet elegant

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The Sony ULT Field 5 features a rugged creation that mightiness look dense connected paper, but Sony includes an optional adjustable enarthrosis strap for portability that makes it easier to transportation around. This is not 1 of those speakers you'd fresh successful a backpack. Instead, you tin transportation it for illustration a cross-shoulder bag. 

The Sony ULT Field 5 retains immoderate creation cues from its predecessor, nan Sony SRS-XG300, including nan LED lights. The lights are built into its dual passive radiators, which beryllium wrong nan integrative extremity cups. Most of its assemblage is covered successful durable cloth and is rated IP67 for particulate and h2o resistance. 

Also: These wireless speakers present gloriously soft sound for immoderate style of euphony - and they're $200 off

I've been utilizing nan White variant, but it besides comes successful Black. I urge purchasing nan second if you scheme connected utilizing this speaker outdoors, though nan achromatic looks classier. In fact, it is 1 of nan astir elegant-looking rugged achromatic speakers, successful my opinion.

The ULT Field 5 sports plentifulness of buttons. On top, you get nan powerfulness fastener and controls for Bluetooth, volume, play/pause, ULT mode, and a Connect fastener to brace your Field 5 pinch different Sony ULT speakers. 

There's a flap connected nan back, which houses a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C larboard for charging (both in/out, truthful it tin beryllium utilized arsenic a powerfulness bank), and 2 much buttons. First is nan Battery Care fastener that caps charging astatine 90% to thief sphere semipermanent artillery health, and 2nd is simply a Light fastener to set nan strength of LED lighting. You tin besides property nan second to move disconnected nan lights completely.

Bringing nan statement vibes

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The caller ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker features a woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, and 2 tweeters. It supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, and iOS and Android users tin customize settings via nan Sony Sound Connect app. You tin besides toggle betwixt ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies) and ULT2 Mode (powerful sound) aliases customize your sound done nan 10-band EQ. It besides houses a built-in microphone if you want to return calls complete Bluetooth.

The Sony ULT Field 5 delivers a bigger sound than its size mightiness indicate. It offers a wide soundstage and, dissimilar nan ULT Wear headphones, its bass is only boosted erstwhile nan ULT mode is triggered. 

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

The ULT2 mode offers a pleasant bass consequence -- 1 that's enjoyable successful indoor get-togethers aliases medium-sized outdoor events. It not only boosts nan bass truthful you get much lively beats, but besides lifts nan treble to amended vocal clarity. I listened to astir of my euphony successful nan ULT2 mode because it encouraged clarity and item crossed genres. 

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The ULT1 preset isn't bad, but it is not arsenic enjoyable and lively arsenic nan ULT2 mode. Unfortunately, neither of these presets is customizable, but you tin still set nan tunes pinch nan 10-band civilization EQ. 

According to Sony, nan ULT Field 5 tin past up to 25 hours without lights and up to 10 hours pinch lights on. That's a large dip, but I deliberation 10 hours should beryllium capable for a night-long party. I person nary complaints pinch nan artillery life, arsenic it lasted maine up to 5 hours (lights on) pinch 60% of artillery left. It besides features speedy charge, which offers 100 minutes of euphony playback pinch a 10-minute charge.

ZDNET's buying advice

The Sony ULT Field 5 is simply a coagulated action for group who want a rugged speaker that is still stylish, aliases a party-ready speaker that isn't exceptionally large. It offers a afloat suite of beingness fastener controls without immoderate awesome compromise, truthful it's besides perfect for solo jam sessions astir nan house, picnics, aliases days by nan pool. 

The ULT Field 5 is not for those who fine-tune their sound. That said, Sony's ULT2 mode delivers a lively bass consequence and an wide enjoyable sound, while nan lights bring nan statement alive. The Sony ULT Field 5 isn't conscionable loud; it is rugged, elegant, and amazingly fun.